Sequentially operated timer with motor-driven rotary cam actuated switches



P" 3, 1965 H. T. SIMMONS ETAL 3,178,525

SEQUENTIALLY OPERATED TIMER WITH MOTOR-DRIVEN ROTARY CAM ACTUATED SWITCHES Filed Jan. 31, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 E. a INVENTORS HAROLD r SIMMONS HEN AY TTOR Aprll 1965 H. T. SIMMONS ETAL 3,178,526

SEQUENTIALLY OPERATED TIMER WITH MOTOR-DRIVEN I ROTARY CAM ACTUATED SWITCHES Filed Jan. 31, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TORS HAROLD T SIMMONS EN E MURRAY ATTO E United States Patent 3,178,526 SEQUENTIALLY OPERATED Tilt/ ER WETH MOTOR-DRIVEN ROTARY CAM ACTU- ATED SWITCl-ES Harold T. Simmons and Stephen F. Murray, Indianapolis,

Ind., assignors to P. R. Mallory & Co., Inc, Indianapolis, End, a corporation of Delaware Filed Jan. 31, 1963, Ser. No. 255,400 Claims. (Cl. 200-38) This invention relates generally to time switch mechanisms and has specific pertinence to the means and method for providing a resettable memory timer switch which possesses novel features.

Within the broad field of time switch mechanisms, there exists a multiplicity of machine control applications wherein a particular time cycle must be faithfully reproduced in response to the command of the machine operator. Examples of such control requirements can be found in a host of commercial, industrial, and domestic devices and appliances. A typical commercial application thereof is in the electrically operated hot air hand dryer found in wash rooms. A typical industrial application Is in the duplicating machines used for reproduction of written material. A typical domestic application is found in the ordinary clothes dryer.

In each of the above instances there is a demand for obedient repetition of a particular desired timing program, the initiation of each cycle being ideally executed with a minimum degree of manual effort. In most of these and related applications, however, there must also be provided a means for altering the cycle time period according to the requirements of the operator, while still maintaining the feature of ready repeatability.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a novel, efficient, and economical solution to the timing and control requirements of the aforementioned machine applications. There is presented herein a resettable memory timer switch which is capable of being manually adjusted for a desired cycle time period, with but a simple rotary motion of the control shaft. The initiation of the first cycle, and the faithful reproduction of subsequent identical cycles, can be accomplished at the will of the operator with only a simple axial movement of the same control shaft. By the accompanying drawing and specification, therefore, there will be disclosed the novel means and method whereby the present invention fulfills the required purpose.

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a multiple-circuit timer switch which can be manually preset to a desired cycle time, while thereafter permitting initiation and unerring repetition of that pre-programmed cycle with but a mere axial motion of the control shaft.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose a unique spring-loaded actuator block featuring integral locking steps which permit the electrical contacts to be made up and held in the energized position with no loading therefrom placed on the control shaft assembly throughout the major portion of the cycle.

Another object of the present invention is to allowvariations in sequencing of the multiple circuit termination points by altering the locking step locations in the spring- -loaded actuator block.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a time-driven actuator cam in conjunction with the aforementioned actuator block which causes simultaneous or sequential termination of the respective circuits according to the particular surface contour of the cam. Alternatively, if desired, sequential termination may be controlled by contouring of the actuator block rubbing face.

Still another object of the present invention is to dis- 3,173,526 Patented Apr. 13, 1965 close a reliable memory mechanism which assures unerring reproduction of the desired cycle time upon demand.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide adjustable tabs on the movable switch blades which permit varied sequencing of multiple-circuit activation during the manual turn-in portion of the program.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a clutch between the time-driven gear train and the actuator cam for allowing rotation of the latter by manual means.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a resettable memory timer switch which features simplicity of assembly and ease of serviceability.

The present invention, in another of its aspects, relates to novel features of the instrumentalities described herein for teaching the principal object of the invention and to the novel principles employed in the instrumentalities whether or not these features and principles may be used in the said object and/ or in the said field.

Other objects of the invention and the nature thereof will become apparent from the following description con sidered in connection with the accompanying figures of the drawing, and wherein like reference characters describe elements of similar function-therein and wherein the scope of the invention is determined rather from the dependent claims.

For illustrative purposes the invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view of the timer switch assembly showing all component parts in their proper relationship.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the timer switch assembly with the housing and various other components partially cut away. With respect to the orientation of FIGURE 1, this view is revolved degrees about the central axis for purposes of clarity.

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the cam and actuator mechanism during the closed circuit or locked-up condition. The parts herein shown are viewed from the motor end of the timer assembly.

.FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the cam and actuator mechanism showing one circuit already deactivated and the secondcircuit approaching deactivation. The parts herein shown are viewed from the motor end of thetimer assembly.

Generally speaking, the present invention provides a time switch mechanism capable of faithfully reproducing a pre-programmed cycle with but a simple manual motion required for initiation of each cycle. By means of a unique lock-up device, the energized circuits are efficiently held in position until their respective activation periods have expired. A positive memory mechanism insures that the intended program will be consistently reproduced upon demand, yet the cycle time may at any period be manually changed at the will of the operator. Remarkable flexibility in range of multiple circuit sequencing is herein provided both as to activation as well as termination of the respective circuits. Accordingly, there is included in the present time switch mechanism a supported control shaft, a spring-loaded actuator cam cooperating therewith, a driving mechanism to provide time-driven rotation of the actuator cam, and a reaction member with discrete steps for locking the circuit contacts in the closed position. Termination of a cycle program occurs when the actuator cam deflects the reaction member in a manner which releases the contacts from their closed position. The control shaft may be thereupon moved in an axial direction to permit the actuator cam to index itself for repetition of the same cycle program.

Referring now to the drawing, and particularly to the exploded perspective view of FIGURE 1, the compongiving an overall reduction of 24.0 to 1.

cut parts of the memory timer switch of this invention can be visualized in conjunction with the following description. Metallic plate 14) consitutes a main structural member of the timer switch assembly. In accordance with an arbitrary convention applied herein, plate is identified as the rear plate, and the motor end of the timer switch assembly is considered as the rearward end. To the rear side of outside of rear plate 19 is attached a constant speed driving source, such as synchronous motor 11 or other suitable means. Synchronous drive motor 11 is affixed to rear plate 10 by means of two machine screws which engage threaded holes 12 and 13. The rotational speed of the drive motor used herein is 12 revolutions per hour.

To the output shaft of drive motor 11 is attached motor pinion 14, which projects through an aperture 15 formed in rear plate 10. Motor pinion 14 meshes with intermediate gear 16 as the first stage of the two-stage reduction gear train, said gear mesh being located on the forward side of rear plate 141. The reduction ratio therein is 4.8 to 1. Rigidly attached to intermediate gear 16, and displaced forward therefrom on a common axis of rotation, is intermediate pinion 17. Said displacement between intermediate gear 16 and intermediate pinion 17 provides clearance for disengagement of intermediate pinion 17 from its mating gear, drive gear 28, when the latter is caused to move rearward. Cantilever journalling of the intermediate gear and pinion assembly is accomplished by means of idler gear post 18, which extends through the axis of said assembly and is anchored to rear plate 16). Axial restraint of said assembly from forward movement on post 18 is rendered by retaining ring 1%, which engages a circumferential groove in post 18 at a location just forward of the front face of intermediate pinion 17.

A further function of rear plate 10 is to provide a mounting structure for actuator block 20. Said actuator block, which is composed of phenolic or other suitable insulating material, constitutes a unique feature of this invention because of its construction and operation. Actuator block 241 contains steps 85 and 86 which are separated by level 9t). Further, it contains steps 87 and 88 which are separated by level 91. The respective planes of level 911 and level 91 are substantially parallel to the plane of plate 61. However, level 90 is displaced further from plate 61 than is level 91. The reason therefor is to provide correct sequencing of the respective circuit shut-off points. Projecting surface 89 on actuator block 20 serves as a rubbing plane for the working profile of actuator cam 36. Actuator arm spring 21, which applies a spring load to actuator block 21 is affixed to rear plate 1% by means of rivets 22 and 23. Actuator block 213, in turn, is attached to actuator arm spring 21 by means of drive screws 24 and 25. Also affixed to rear plate 11) is bushing 26, which serves as a rear bearing support for control shaft 4%. Spacer posts 63 and 64, which are rigidly attached to rear plate 10, are internally threaded on the forward end for attachement of front plate 49.

The control shaft assembly comprises numerous working parts which can best be described through continued reference to the exploded perspective view of F1- URE 1. A key unit within the control shaft assembly is the cam and clutch assembly indicated generally at 27. The latter assembly, although coaxial with control shaft 48, is rotationally independent thereof. One component of cam and clutch assembly 27 is drive gear 23, which engages intermediate pinion 17 to complete the second and final stage of gear reduction from motor pinion 14. The second stage ratio employed herein is 5.0 to 1, Drive gear 28 further comprises one member of the spring clutch assembly incorporated in the present invention. Staked to drive gear 23, and projecting forward therefrom, is rear clutch bushing 29, the outer diameter of which serves as a mandrel for the rear portion of clutch spring 319. The larger diameter 32 of front clutch bushing 31 serves as a mandrel for the forward portion of clutch spring 311, whereas the smaller diameter 33 penetrates the bore of rear clutch bushing 29 in order to pilot the latter and drive gear 28 on their axis of rotation. Axial retention of the components of cam and clutch assembly 27 is made by the engagement of retaining ring 35 with circumferential groove 34.

To the forward end of front clutch bushing 31 is staked actuator cam 36, said cam being made of phenolic or other suitable material. The working profile of actuator cam 36 comprises lobes 92 and 93. Located on the forward side of actuator cam 36, and piloted by return spring bushing 83, is a torsional cam return spring 37. The rear coil of cam return spring 37 terminates with a projection 38 which engages hole 39 in the forward face of actuator cam 36. Similarly, the forward coil of cam return spring 37 terminates with a projection 40 which embraces tang 41 on locator cam 42. Said tang 41 also serves as a mechanical stop to arrest rotation of lug 84 on actuator cam 36 during the memory phase of the switch cycle. Locator cam 42 is affixed to control shaft 48 by means of a pair of opposed flats on shaft 48 which corresponds to the center hole configuration of cam 42.

Further components of the control shaft assembly, which are housed between the front and rear plates, include spring washer 43, top washer 44, and shaft stop 45. These and all other shaft components located rearward therefrom are retained axially by the engagement of retaining ring 46 with circumferential groove 47 of control shaft 48.

Metallic front plate 49 provides a forward bearing support for the control shaft assembly. In addition, front plate 49 contains metal stop pin 51 which limits the rotational travel of locator cam 42. Metal stop pin 52, also attached to front plate 49, serves as guide during axial travel of shaft stop 45. The final function of front plate 49 is to provide mounting facilities for the timer switch assembly in its operating environment. Front plate 49 is aflixed to spacer posts 63 and 64 by means of screws 94- and 95.

Final components of the control shaft assembly, these being located on the forward side of front plate 49, include shaft return spring 53, return spring washer 54, and retaining ring 55. The latter ring engages circumferential groove 56 in control shaft 48. Control knob 57 embraces flat 58, fiat 59 and slot 69 on control shaft 48.

Facilities for mounting the switch and terminal assemblies are provided by terminal boards 61 and 62, which are composed of insulating material. Respective engagement of these boards with front plate 49 and rear plate 111, in conjunction with spacer posts 63 and 64, produces the structural integrity and alignment necessary for proper switch functioning. Terminal board 61 is identified as the left hand terminal board in conformance to the convention applied herein whereby the timer switch assembly is arbitrarily viewed from the motor end as the rear. To left hand terminal board 61 is riveted double terminal member 65, through which electrical power is supplied to drive motor 11. Below terminal member 65, and similarly riveted to terminal board 61, is a pair of fixed contact assemblies. Said contact assemblies consist of fixed contacts 66 and 67, leaf springs 63 and 69, buss bar 70, and single switch terminals 71 and 7.7.. Fixed contacts 66 and 67 lie in a plane substantially perpendicular to that of terminal board 61.

Located directly opposite terminal board 61 is right hand terminal board 62, the latter providing the means for mounting and terminating the movable contact assemblies. Said contact assemblies consist of movable contacts 73 and 74-, cam springs 75 and 76, adjustable actuator tabs 77 and '78, and engaging tips 79 and The upper movable contact assembly is joined to terminal board 62 and riveted thereto through triple terminal member ing ring 46 against bushing 26 in rear plate 19.

significant to herein note that varied sequencing of circuit 81. One electrical lead from drive motor 11 is affixed to terminal member 81. Below terminal member 81, and similarly riveted to terminal board'62, is the lower movable contact assembly which terminates with single terminal member 82.

With the above description of mechanical parts in mind, "and by making reference to the drawing figures, the following analysis of operation will serve to convey the details of switch functioning. With the switch contacts open and the motor drive train at rest, the first step toward commencement of operation is to manually rotate control shaft 48 to a circumferential location corresponding to a desired timing requirement. This rotation of shaft 48 also serves to rotate locator cam 42 the same number of degrees. The resistance to turning encountered during this operation results from the drag action of spring washer 43 combined with the torsional wind-up of cam return spring 37. Because control shaft 48 has no mechanical connection with cam and clutch assembly 27, the former may be freely rotated without overcoming the high torque resistance of the motor drive train. The action of clutch spring 30 prevents the remaining parts from moving while the adjustable cycle stop is set. Actuator cam 36 may at any time be manually advanced in the time-driven direction by further rotation of control shaft 48. Said rotation causes tang 41 of locator cam 42 to engage lug 84 on actuator cam 36, thereby inducing circumferential slippage of clutch spring 39 with respect to mandrel 32. In this manner, an active program can be either shortened or aborted, if desired. The tendency of clutch spring 39 therein is to unwrap the coils which are in peripheral contact with mandrel 32, thereby reducing the frictional clutch force to a level where slippage may occur,

The second and final step toward initiation of the operating cycle isaccomplished by manually depressing control shaft 48 in an axially-inward direction. Said axial movement, which is in a rearward direction as viewed by the arbitrary convention herein applied, serves to institute a plurality of mechanical and electrical functions. First, shaft return spring 53 is caused to compress while the entire cam and clutch assembly 27 moves inward. Drive gear 28 is likewise moved inward or rearward until it completely disengages from mesh with intermediate pinion 17'. At the instant when these gears go out of mesh, and the motor driven train is separated from cam and clutch assembly 27, pre-loaded cam return spring 37 exerts a torsional force on actuator cam 36 which rotates lug 84 of actuator cam 36 against tang 41 of locator cam 42. Direction of this rotation is counterclockwise as viewed from the rear or motor end of the timer assembly, and is opposite to the time-driven rotation of said actuator cam. The action herein described constitutes the memory feature of this timer.

As the cam and ciutch assembly 37 travels inward, the flat rear surface of actuator cam 36 contacts actuator tabs 77- and 78 of respective cam springs 75 and 76. Further axial movement of control shaft 48 causes cam spring 75 to deflect rearward until movable contact '73 touches fixed contact 66. Simultaneously, engaging tip 79 moves rearward from its initial position on step 85 of actuator block 20, to a final position on step 86 thereof. Similar deflection of cam spring 76 urges movable contact 74 to embrace fixed contact 67, whereupon the circuitry is energized and the electrical functioning of the timer switch commences. Engaging tip 88 travels from step 87 to step 88 of actuator block 2%, while the inward tension of actuator arm spring 21 urges actuator block 20 into position so as to fix and lock both sets of electrical contacts in contiguity. FIG- URE 3 illustrates the details of the lock-up switch configuration, the parts being therein viewed from the motor end of the timer. Axial overtravel of cam and clutch assembly 27 is limited by the bottoming action of retain- It is 6 activation is available through adjustment of actuator tabs 77 and 78.

As the axially-inward force is withdrawn from control shaft 48, said shaft beigns its forward or outward excursion to its initial position, said return movement being caused by the exertion of shaft return spring 53. Throughout this return action, shaft stop 45 and stop pin 52 serve to guide control shaft 48 on its axial travel. Cam and clutch assembly 27 is advanced forward or outward with shaft 48, thereby causing drive gear 28 to re-engage with intermediate pinion 17. At that instant, the rotating motor drive train, which was energized previously, is connected to cam and clutch assembly 27, and actual timing program formally commences. The wrap-around action of clutch spring 30 creates increased frictional force with respect to mandrels 29 and 32. The driving torque of drive gear 28 is thereby transmitted to actuator cam 36 without mechanical slip.

As the timing function progresses, actuator cam '36 begins to rotate at a constant speed, the rate of which is established by the overall ratio of the two-stage reduction gear train. In the present embodiment, said rate is /2 revolution per hour. The time-driven direction of rotation of actuator cam 36 is clockwise, as viewed from the motor end, and as indicated by the arrow. FIGURE 3 shows the cam, switch, and actuator block details in the lockedup condition. Rotation of actuator cam 36 continues until lobe 92 on its working profile makes contact with projecting surface 89 on actuator block 20. The resulting camming action causes level 91 to move outward beyond the extremity of engaging tip 80. Cam spring 76, which has maintained a force in the forward direction, is thereupon freed from its captive position, and urges engaging tip 80 to leave step 88 and become lodged on step 87 of actuator block 20, permitting movable contact 74 to separate from fixed contact 67 for termination of that electrical circuit. The resulting position of cam spring 76 is shown in FIGURE 4.

Further rotation of actuator cam 36 induces lobe 93 to make contact with projecting surface 89 of actuator block 2%. Because lobe 93 is at a greater radius than lobe 92 with respect to the common axis of rotation, it causes actuator block 20 to deflect still further. Greater deflection is necessary to free cam spring 75 from its captive position because level 90, between steps 86 and 85,

is in a plane further inward than level 91, between steps 88 and 87. When engaging tip 79 thereupon leaves step 36 and lodges on step of actuator block 20, the circuit through movable contact 73 and fixed contact 66 is deenergized, thus bringing all action to a point of termination. The phantom view of FIGURE 4 shows the final position of cam spring 75.

To repeat the same timed cycle, it is only necessary to manually depress control shaft 48 inwardly once again because the desired time requirement is already determined by the fixed position of locator cam 42. As described earlier herein, actuator cam '36 thereupon automatically indexes to a starting position dictated by said locator cam. Through the memory feature of this novel switch assembly, therefore, the identical cycle may be repeated indefinitely by themere axial movement of control shaft 48.

Referring now to the detailed perspective views of FIG- URES 3 and 4, the utility and design flexibility of the actuating and lock-up mechanism will be readily apparent. This concept is not limited to single or double circuit configurations. The angular and radial positioning of cam lobes 92 and 93 may be varied freely according to the sequencing requirements for multiple circuit termination. It is quite correct, therefore, to imagine an. infinite number or" cam profile combinations, which might be devised from the basic two-step configurationdisclosed herein. Similar- ,ly, the locking geometry of actautor block 20 suggests myriad variations to fit specific timing and shut-off. sequenclng. In each instance, moreover, the respective lock ng steps allow the electrical; circuits tobe made up and held in the energized position with no loading therefrom placed on the shaft assembly throughout the major portion of the cycle. Broad variations in sequencing of of circuit activation are attainable with adjustable actuator tabs 77 and 78.

The resettable memory timer switch of the present invention, as hereinbefore described in one of its embodiments, is merely illustrative and not exhaustive in scope. Since many widely different embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interposed as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. In a time switch mechanism, a control shaft supported by a pair of mounting plates, electrical circuit contact means, an actuator cam carried by said control shaft, said cam acting independently thereof, a driving mechanism coupled to said actuator cam for imparting timedriven rotation thereto, clutch means between said actuator cam and said driving mechanism, a reaction member responsive to said actuator cam, said reaction member having discrete steps therein for locking said circuit contact means in contiguity, and said time-driven actuator cam deflecting said reaction member causing release of said contact means from contiguity.

2. In a time switch mechanism, an axially movable and rotatable control shaft supported by a pair of mounting plates, electrical circuit contacts affixed to a pair of opposed insulating plates contiguous with said mounting plates, an actuator cam carried by said control shaft, said cam acting independently thereof, a driving mechanism coupled to said actuator cam for imparting time-driven rotation thereto, clutch means between said actuator cam and said driving mechanism, a spring-loaded reaction member responsive to camming action of said actuator cam, said reaction member having discrete steps therein for remotely locking said circuit contacts in contiguity, and said time-driven actuator cam deflecting said reaction member causing release of said contacts from contiguity, said release causing termination of the time cycle.

3. In a time switch mechanism, an axially movable and rotatable control shaft supported by a pair of mounting plates, electrical circuit contacts aflixed to a pair of insulating plates contiguous with said mounting plates, means for creating electrical continuity through said circuit contacts, said means responsive to axial movement of said control shaft, an actuator cam carried by said control shaft, said cam acting independently thereof, a driving mechanism coupled to said actuator cam for imparting time-driven rotation thereto, clutch means between said actuator cam and said driving mechanism, a reaction member responsive to camming action of said actuator cam, said reaction member having discrete steps therein for remotely locking said circuit contacts in contiguity, and said time-driven actuator cam deflecting said reaction member causing release of said contacts from contiguity, said release causing termination of the time cycle.

4. In a time switch mechanism, an axially movable and rotatable control shaft supported by a pair of mounting plates, a locator cam responsive to rotation of said control shaft, electrical circuit contacts afiixed to a pair of insulating plates contiguous with said mounting plates, means for creating electrical continuity through said circuit contacts, said means responsive to axial movement of said control shaft, a spring-loaded actuator cam carried by said control shaft, said actuator cam acting in dependently thereof, a driving mechanism coupled to said actuator cam for imparting time-driven rotation thereto, clutch means between said actuator cam and said driving mechanism, a reaction member responsive to camming action of said actuator cam and aifixed to one of said mounting plates in a determined position, said reaction member having discrete steps therein for remotely 8 locking said circuit contacts in contiguity throughout said cycle program, said time-driven actuator cam deflecting said reaction member causing release of said contacts from contiguity, said release causing termination of the time cycle, and said cycle being repeatable by axial movement of said control shaft.

5. In a time switch mechanism for controlling a plurality of electrical circuits according to a determined cycle program, an axially-depressable and rotatable control shaft supported by a pair of mounting plates, a shaft return spring opposing axial depression of said control shaft, a locator cam responsive to manual rotation of said control shaft for establishing cycle duration, electrical circuit contacts afiixed to a pair of insulating plates contiguous with said mounting plates, means for creating electrical continuity through said circuit contacts according to a determined sequence, said means responsive to axial depression of said control shaft, a spring-loaded actuator cam of determined profile carried by said control shaft, said actuator cam acting independently thereof, a driving mechanism coupled to said actuator cam for imparting time-driven rotation thereto, clutch means between said actuator cam and said driving mechanism, a spring-loaded reaction member responsive to camming action of said actuator cam and affixed to one of said mounting plates in a determined position, said reaction member having a plurality of discrete steps of determined configuration, said steps for remotely locking said circuit contacts in contiguity throughout said cycle program, said time-driven actuator cam deflectin said reaction member causing sequential release of said contacts from contiguity, said release causing termination of said cycle program, and said cycle program being repeatable by axial depression of said control shaft.

6. In a time switch mechanism for controlling a plurality of electrical circuits according to a determined cycle program, an axially-deprcssable and rotatable control shaft supported by a pair of mounting plates, a locator cam responsive to rotation of said control shaft, fixed and movable circuit contacts aflixed to a pair of opposed insulating plates contiguous with said mounting plates, means for creating electrical continuity through said circuit contacts according to a desired sequence, said means responsive to axial depression of said control shaft displacing adjustable tabs on said movable contacts, a spring-loaded actuator cam of determined profile carried by said control shaft, said actuator cam acting independently thereof, a driving motor and reduction gear train coupled to said actuator cam for imparting time-driven rotation thereto, clutch means between said actuator cam and said gear train, a reaction member responsive to camming action of said actuator cam and afiixed to one of said mounting plates in a determined position, said reaction member having a plurality of discrete steps of determined configuration, said steps for remotely locking said movable contacts in contiguity with said respective fixed contacts throughout said cycle program, said timedriven actuator cam deflecting said reaction member causing sequential release of said contacts from contiguity, said release causing termination of cycle program, and said cycle program being repeatable by axial depression of said control shaft.

'7. In a time switch mechanism for controlling a plurality of electrical circuits according to a determined cycle program, an axially-depressable and rotatable control shaft supported by a pair of mounting plates, a shaft return spring opposiing axial depression of said control shaft, a locator cam responsive to rotation of said control shaft, fixed and movable circuit contacts affixed to a pair of opposed insulating plates contiguous with said mounting plates, means for creating electrical continuity through said circuit contacts according to a determined sequence, an actuator cam of determined profile carried by said control shaft, a driving motor and reduction gear train coupled to said actuator cam for imparting time-driven rotation thereto, clutch means between said actuator cam and said gear train, a torsional spring afiixed to said actuator cam urging rotation opposite the time-driven direction, a spring-loaded reaction member responsive to camming action of said actuator cam and located in a determined position, said reaction member having a plurality of discrete steps of determined configuration, said steps for locking said movable contacts in contiguity with said respective fixed contacts throughout said cycle program, said time-driven actuator cam deflecting said reaction member causing sequential release of said contacts from contiguity, said release causing termination of said cycle program, and said cycle program being repeatable by axial depression of said control shaft, said axial depression causing disengagement of said gear train, said actuator cam being thereupon urged by said torsional spring to seek a rotational starting position dictated by said locator cam, and said shaft return spring causing reengagement of said gear train.

8. In a time switch mechanism for controlling a plurality of electrical circuits according to a determined cycle program, an axially-depressable and rotatable control shaft supported by a pair of mounting plates, a locator cam responsive to manual rotation of said control shaft for establishing cycle duration, said locator cam being further rotatable to abort an active program, fixed and movable circuit contacts aflixed to a pair of opposed insulating plates continguous with said mounting plates, means for creating electrical continuity through said circuit contacts according to a determined sequence, a spring-loaded actuator cam carried by said control shaft, said actuator cam having on its profile a plurality of steps of determined radii, a driving motor and reduction gear train coupled to said actuator cam for imparting timedriven rotation thereto, clutch means between said actuator cam and said gear train, a reaction member responsive to camming action of said actuator cam and aflixed to one of said mounting plates in a determined position, said reaction member having a plurality of discrete steps of determined configuration, the respective dimensions of said steps being controlled by the radii of the profile steps on said actuator cam, said steps for locking said movable contacts in contiguity with said respective fixed contacts throughout said cycle program, said reaction member further having a rubbing surface displaced by said profile of said actuator cam, said time-driven actuator cam deflecting said reaction member causing sequential release of said contacts from contiguity, said release causing termination of said cycle program, and said cycle program being repeatable by axial depression of said control shaft.

9. In a time switch mechanism for controlling a plurality of electrical circuits according to a determined cycle program, an axially-depressable and rotatable control shaft supported by a pair of mounting plates, a locator cam responsive to rotation of said control shaft, fixed and movable circuit contacts afiixed to a pair of opposed insulating plates contiguous with said mounting plates, said insulating plates having external terminals aiiixed thereto, means for creating electrical continuity through said circuit contacts according to a determined sequence, a spring-loaded actuator cam of determined profile carried by said control shaft, a driving motor and reduction gear train coupled to said actuator cam for imparting time-driven rotation thereto, clutch means between said actuator cam and said gear train, said clutch means comprising a coil spring in peripheral contact with two clutch members for unidirectional slippage, a reaction member responsive to camming action of said actuator cam and afiixed to one of said mounting plates in a determined position, said reaction member having a plurality of discrete steps of determined configuration, said steps for locking said movable contacts in contiguity with said respective fixed contacts throughout said cycle program, said time-driven actuator cam deflecting said reac tion member causing sequential release of said contacts from contiguity, said release causing termination of said cycle program, and said cycle program being repeatable by axial depression of said control shaft.

10. In a time switch mechanism for controlling a plurality of electrical circuits according to a determined cycle program, an axially-depressable and rotatable control shaft supported by a pair of mounting plates, means for guiding said control shaft during axial travel, a locator cam responsive to rotation of said control shaft, a stop pin limiting rotational travel of said locator cam, fixed and movable circuit contacts affixed to a pair of opposed insulating plates contiguous with said mounting plates, means for creating electrical continuity through said circuit contacts according to a desired sequence, a spring-loaded actuator cam of determined profile carried by said control shaft, a driving motor and reduction gear train coupled to said actuator cam for imparting timedriven rotation thereto, clutch means between said actuator cam and said gear train, a reaction member responsive to camming action of said actuator cam and afiixed to one of said mounting plates in a determined position, said reaction member having a plurality of discrete steps of determined configuration, certain of said steps for locking said spring-loaded movable contacts in contiguity with said respective fixed contacts throughout said cycle program, the remainder of said steps for locating said movable contacts in the open circuit position, said timedriven actuator cam deflecting said reaction member causing sequential release of said contacts from contiguity, and said cycle program being repeatable by axial depression of said control shaft.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,839,623 6/58 Stolle ZOO-38 X 2,941,051 6/60 Laviana 200-38 3,096,408 7/63 Brock et al -2 200-38 BERNARD A. GILHEANY, Primary Examiner. ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Examiner. 

1. IN A TIME SWITCH MECHANISM, A CONTROL SHAFT SUPPORTED BY A PAIR OF MOUNTING PLATES, ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CONTACT MEANS, AN ACTUATOR CAM CARRIED BY SAID CONTROL SHAFT, SAID CAM ACTING INDEPENDENTLY THEREOF, A DRIVING MECHANISM COUPLED TO SAID ACTUATOR CAM FOR IMPARTING TIMEDRIVEN ROTATION THERETO, CLUTCH MEANS BETWEEN SAID ACTUACTOR CAM AND SAID DRIVING MECHANISM, A REACTION MEMBER RESPONSIVE TO SAID ACTUATOR CAM, SAID REACTION MEMBER HAVING DISCRETE STEPS THEREIN FOR LOCKING SAID CIRCUIT CON- 